Do you want to feel better? Do you want a lift? To be in a better Mood?
Well, the answer is easy. Eat Better Food!
Guess what? There are "good mood" foods and "bad mood" foods. I am not talking about “emotional eating”.
I am talking about using food to withstand everyday stress for a more balanced, clear and calm mood. It’s healthy and easy to use food to feel good. Eating the right foods can either make you feel good or feel bad.
So, how do you know if you are eating the right foods for your mood?
Good Food for your Mood:
Sweet potatoes- they are a great mood food, full of fiber which helps to keep your blood sugar steady and your hunger satiated for longer.
Turkey, cheese, eggs, chicken, beans and tofu are full of tryptophan. This is an amino acid which is a precursor to the production of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. Eating these protein rich foods improves mood because it keeps blood sugar steady.
B-Vitamin Foods- Leafy greens, blueberries, whole grains, and lean meats are all foods that are rich in B-vitamins.
Folic Acid- Foods such as spinach gives you energy and can help you concentrate. Far better to eat a spinach salad (instead of the afternoon coffee) in the later part of the day when you need a pick-me up.
Complex Carbs- Carbohydrates are the energy food. But, you have to eat complex carbs (think whole grains, beans, peas, fruit, lentils, root veggies). Also, it’s wise to pair carbs with some protein or some fat. This will slow the digestion process causing your sugar and energy levels to remain stable for a longer period of time. A suggestion- why not eat peanut butter and apple?
Bad Foods for your Mood:
Simple sugars are the worst! Fried and heavy fatty foods are bad too! Just as fast as a candy bar might give you a pick-me-up, it can quickly leave you feeling flat as the sugar leaves your blood stream in a fast NY minute! This type of hi-lo can be attributed to mood swings and crankiness. And, if you want to loose weight, these types of food are full of empty calories.
So, by eating foods that are good and healthy not only will give you boost in your mood, it will also help you fit into your skinny jeans!
